Casher Looking To Bounce Back From Blown Knee

After missing his entire senior year of high school over an eligibility issue, he decided to leave his home state of Alabama and enroll at Florida State.

“It was really important because they kind of stuck by me through my trials and tribulations and it just made me want to stay dedicated," said Casher.

But things didn't get much easier for him. Casher started the season under the impression he would redshirt before an injury to Brandon Jenkins changed that decision. Shortly after learning he would play as a true freshman, he blew out his knee and had to miss the season anyway.

“For my senior year, only one word really sums that up, I just had to sacrifice," said Casher. "As far as last year me getting hurt, stuff happens for a reason. I look at it like maybe that’s the Lord’s way of telling me I have to slow down, learn more technique, study more film and learn a little bit more.”

So Casher has gotten back to basics, refocusing on the fundamentals and techniques he feels will give him the kind of foundation he needs to be a good college player.

Keep in mind, Casher didn't come to FSU as a defensive end.

“He’s showing the athleticism but you’ve got to remember in high school he was a wideout and an outside backer," said Jimbo Fisher. "He’s never put his hand in the dirt and taken those kinds of snaps.

“It’s good for Chris to get back out there and play. Chris has a chance to be a very good player he’s just got to keep coming and doing the right things, this will be a nice step for him.”

As Casher learns his new position, the 6-4 250-pound redshirt freshman also needs to regain confidence in his knee. Physically he's around 100 percent, but mentally, it's not all back.

“I try talking to him all the time," said DE Mario Edwards Jr. "Chris is a great athlete, he still like thinks about it with his leg but I try to tell him you’re 100% good otherwise you wouldn’t be out here so you just have to go back to the feel of it and just do what you normally do. He’s definitely getting back to his speed.”

“There’s times where sometimes I feel like I still do favor it but I still have a long way to fall so it will come around," said Casher.

For now, Casher has plenty of time to keep focusing on learning the defense and learning to trust his knee again. As he said, the Fall is a ways off. The next thing he's worried about is the Garnet and Gold Game